Brief Roundup

Five Condors turned up for last Sundays ride, Robin, Simon, Mel, Oakworth Steve and myself. Our numbers were initially more than doubled by the Paul Milnes group who were meeting in Keighley, we stayed together until the drag out of Skipton on the Grassington Road where fragmentation's occurred. I managed to hang on till after The Craven Heifer but then found myself on the wrong side of a split as the pace failed to ease. This was worrying for me as I'd forgotten to put any money in my back pocket and I was witnessing my only hope of a lunch sub disappearing up the road. My new companions turned left at Rylstone leaving me chasing alone into a cold head wind wondering where my next meal was coming from. Fortunately someone noticed I was missing took pity on me and the group waited for me at Cracoe from where we went to the Old Schoolhouse Tearooms at Hebden via Grassington, Des Fretwell and a young lad from Coniston Cold, Tom, having stayed with us from the Milnes group joined us for lunch.
Our return journey was made via Appletreewick, Bolton Abbey, where Robin had a panic attack realizing we were heading in the direction of Bradford he swiftly turned right towards the security of the Calder Valley. On to Otley and Guiseley where Steve, Des and Tom said there farewells as Mel came down through Esholt to leave us at Shipley for a return home through Baildon. Simon, back on single free this week after a disastrous foray into the world of derailiers and double clangers for the previous weeks Imps Reliability Ride, was moving well and causing me all sorts of problems as we made our way up Manchester Road and down through Wyke, I was relieved to get home, open a bottle of beer, put my feet up and watch the Tirreno-Adriatico on the box.

The weather was kinder on Wednesday with sun and blue skies for most of the day although there was still a nip in the air. There was a good turnout and we planned to take advantage of the easterly wind on the return journey so we went out to Tadcaster for lunch via  Headingley, Shadwell and Bramham. A pair of Pauls with a total age of 140 set a good pace all the way out there whilst Grimpy was the main protagonist on the return journey half wheeling Brian down through Sherburn, South Milford and Fairburn.

An interesting diversion was made when Chris from the Imps introduced us to a recently opened section of cycleway which took us from Earlsheaton to the middle of Dewsbury including a 150 metre or so railway tunnel. This whet the appetite for cycleways so we kept to the Calder Valley and Spen Valley Greenways all the way to Low Moor.

Myself and Big Phil have entered the Delightful Dales Audax this coming Sunday, others are considering joining us depending on the weather - it looks like a great route, starting at Pendleton (near Whalley) and making its way to Kettlewell and over Park Rash, down to Middleham, Leyburn, Reeth, Keld, Nateby, Garsdale, Coal Road to Dentdale then Ribblehead, Settle, Wigglesworth and back to the start - can't believe thats only 127 miles.

Wednesday 6th March

Only 10 out today to enjoy the freezing fog. Rumor was that the fog was thicker higher up so we joined the Greenway at Low Moor, went down to Dewsbury and on to Newmillerdam for lunch. Unfortunately several of those present had taken note of the weather forecast and headed for home via the shortest route worried that they may get wet. Peeps, Paul D, Ian Wellock and myself took a slightly longer route via Notton and High Hoyland, needless to say the weather picked up and there was no rain.

Ronde Recce Report

I knew the Ronde van Calderdale route wasn't going to be everyone's cup of tea for a lazy Sunday in early spring but as Paul Daly was unfamiliar with some of the route (especially the Colne Valley bit) and on my recommendation has invested £20 of his hard earned pension on an entry I had promised to show him the route and with dry weather forecast today was the ideal opportunity.
Regular Condor club run stalwarts Steve, Simon, Paul, Phil and myself were joined by 3RT's Brendan Devlin and one of the top Calderdale fell runners Adam Breaks. This proved to be a great group to ride such a challenging route, as you can see from the above photo we were all still smiling even at the top of Gibb Lane, the positive attitude prevailed throughout the day.
A tail wind made for a brisk start up through Rastrick, on to Outlane and down Forest Hill Road and then we hit the first 'Ronde' style climb of the day, Penny Hill. For the second week running a fell runner gave us a demonstration of that genre's climbing prowess (Karl Gray last week in the Imps ride), as Adam romped away chased by Paul - never one to submit to youth without a battle. We regrouped at Krumlin and enjoyed the tail wind up to Buckstones and a long steady descent down to Pole Moor.
The Colne Valley climbs came and went in similar fashion but never uncomfortably competitive (I think there had been an unspoken agreement to save that for the actual event). Lee Lane (aka Shibden Wall) was probably the most difficult climb so far due to the cobbles being too greasy for out of the saddle efforts, and I was quietly pleased to witness Adam having an attack of cramp to his calves.

We continued the route through Ovenden Wood, up Gibb Lane, down to Luddenden and up Old Lane towards Midgley. Here we deviated from the route and went down to Sowerby Bridge Station where we lunched at the refreshment rooms - 1st time any of us had been there - very good - a fine selection of real ales as well as bacon and sausage sandwiches and large mugs of tea - with thoughts of Trooper Lane ahead we stuck to the tea and butties. Steve headed off home to Oakworth from here, Adam had left us earlier, the nearby pull of his home at Wainstalls being too strong to resist.
The cobbled climbs of Woodhouse Lane, Wakefield Gate and Exley Bank went past almost without notice as minds concentrated on the forthcoming coup de grace, Trooper Lane. With Adam gone Paul made it known from the very start that this was to be his climb, I was in no position to argue but Phil put in a spirited effort only to falter by taking a breather just before the summit by turning onto Blaithroyd Lane for several seconds, I had to explain to him that this was akin to a foot fault and he would have to be disqualified from his 2nd place but I'm not sure he accepted this entirely unbiased decision.
A good day out, hope the actual event (7th April - pre enter via BC website) is half as enjoyable.

NEXT FEW WEEKS
Sunday 10th March - 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley
Sunday 17th March - a few of us have entered a 200k Audax - Delightful Dales - enter online via Audax website.
Sunday 24th March - again a few Condors have entered the Wheelbase Spring Classic sportive, a scenic 75 miles taking in the Lune Valley, Dentdale and Barbondale.

Wednesday Run and Sunday 3rd March

What a superb day, when the weather is like it has been today there can be no better place in the world to cycle than Yorkshire. There was an attendance of 14 for today's ride, with the best weather coming in from the east we he headed out to Knaresborough for lunch and in addition to blue skies and clear views we also enjoyed a helping wind on the way home.
Our return journey was made via the Beryl Burton Way to Bilton and then Penny Pot Lane, Timble, Low Snowdon and Askwith, up the Chevin and down through Esholt before hitting the busy roads round Bradford.

Sunday 3rd March
I'm meeting Paul Daly at 9am outside the Ritz at Brighouse next Sunday for a 'Ronde van Calderdale' Recce. We're not doing the full route, joining the route up at the top of Rastrick then following it as far as the top of Old Lane after Luddenden village then missing Jowler, Fly Flatt and Cock Hill and going down to Hebden Bridge for a cafe stop (Paul needs frequent injections of tea). Then we'll pick up the route again and follow it through to the top of Trooper Lane where you will be allowed to go home and lie down.

Halifax Imps Reliability Rides 2013

Imps Reliability

J.K. promised us a  new route for his annual pain-fest, and it didn't disappoint in the pain department. There seemed to be a big turnout in the dry but very cold conditions with a good flock of Condors for the long & shorter routes, although many jerseys I never saw again, notably the Star Wheelers ?
The mass was already fragmented by Queensbury with several traffic lights, junctions and the gradient helping to split things up. We had a fairly large group at the front and kept a steady tempo to Hetton when young Polish Pete (19) thought he was on the Saturday cafe race and ripped it up towards Gargrave. I tried to calm things by suggesting a toilet break at Gargrave (necessary for the more senior riders) but inevitably not everyone stopped which meant a chase over to Broughton and Elslack. We were all back together for just a moment before the long climb inflicted its damage, an out of condition Robin one of the first to raise the white flag.
Around 10 of us started on the Herders and my legs were starting to complain, especially at the thought of what we still had to come. Except Sean, the older riders like myself (and some younger) were sliding back on the climbs but we were all back together at Oxenhope where Andy Marshall said he'd had enough (only to re-think and carry on alone). At the top of Cragg Vale we were down to 8 (Blair Buss vanished) but predictably the final selection took place on Ripponden Bank with Polish Pete, Paul Ward, V.S. Carl (who had won a fell race the day before !?), Sean and a suddenly rejuvenated Mick Collins, who had been sliding back with the old ones earlier, charging over the top not to be seen until the Pub. Myself, 3RT Mark & Dave Leckenby  nursed our weary legs up Exley Bank not long after.
Good beer and a nice fire were our reward as riders trickled in, Paul Daly not long behind.
It was a tough but enjoyable day out (Thanks John & Janice).
Now, how about a steady club run with a leisurely cafe stop next Sunday for a change ?  

Reliability Ride - 24 Feb 2013

Halifax Imperial Wheelers

Would like to invite you to join them for their

Annual Early Season Reliability Ride

Taking place on

Sunday 24^th February, 2013

Start Point: The Ritz Ballroom, Brighouse

Finish Point: Cross Keys, Siddal

Meet at 8.30am to register your details
for a scheduled 9.00am start

2013 Reliability Ride      80 in 6      Start at 9.00am

Start Ritz in Brighouse

Odsal Top - Queensbury - Keighley - Skipton - Rylstone (duck pond) - Gargrave - Broughton - Elslack - Laneshaw Bridge - Stanbury - Oxenhope -  Hebden Bridge - Mytholmroyd - Cragg Vale - Ripponden - Barkisland - Elland to finish at the Cross Keys  Siddal

Last section of route as per 2014 Tour de France !

A shorter easier 60 miles also available

Odsal Top - Queensbury - Keighley - Crosshills - Cowling - Laneshaw Bridge - Wycoller (option) - Laneshaw Bridge - Stanbury - Howarth - Oxenhope - Hebden Bridge - Luddenden Foot - King Cross - Siddal - Cross Keys.

Entry Fee of £2.00 per person payable on the day in exchange for a route sheet

NWP - The Short One

As requested, a few words about the short version of North West Passage. This was my first tour of the easy route, having previously flogged round the long one or stayed safely at home. And it was good. Especially at a pace where we rarely, if ever, got out of breath. There was time to chat, and to enjoy the pleasant countryside. I might do that again.

Our group of about a dozen riders formed as the 9am massed start got broken up by various sets of lights. We trundled and never really considered trying to close the gap on the next group. Brian however decided that the pace was a touch too easy and took off at high speed toward Summit, not to be seen again. According to my trip computer we were about 5 minutes slower up Blacko than the VS fast lads doing the full route, but the cafe at Gisburn was still open and we made ourselves comfortable over tea and butties for quite a long time.

Vicar started the long route at 8am but realised the error of his ways at Settle and turned back, finding us about ready to leave the cafe. The next part of the route is the best, through Bolton by Bowland, East and West Bradford and on to Whalley, where the lanes meandered and the afternoon sun gave a pleasant warmth. Haslingden Moor dragged a bit into the wind but Owd Betts gave no problems and we were soon on the last leg through Rochdale (and not, as I've always experienced previously, on our last legs). Pies, peas & pints were enjoyed back at the Spring Inn while waiting for the hard men to finish.

Wednesday & Sunday

A cold and damp east/north easterly wind was blowing today but although the skies were grey at least it was dry. To take advantage of a helping wind on the way home we headed out to Wharfedale where the weather was several degrees warmer with occasional blue sky breaking through the grey.  Peeps had come up with the idea of trying the relatively new tearooms at The Strid and it turned out to be an excellent suggestion. For some reason I hadn't expected it to be as good as it is; warm spacious and welcoming it will no doubt become a regular Wednesday venue.
The return journey was made over Eastby Brow which, as planned, was made far easier due to the tail wind and always worthwhile for the stunning views from the summit. All was going well up Ingrow with Paul D setting just the right pace, but unfortunately JK became possessed with that uncontrollable desire to inflict pain, it afflicts him each time he hits Hermit Hole Bends - after breaking up the peloton he died, but it was too late, the adrenalin was now pumping round Peeps legs and he attempted to finish off what John had started, all to no avail however as Paul D reigned supreme as King of the Tip Top.

Sunday 24th February
Its the Imps Reliability Race Ride this Sunday, sets off at 9am from outside the Ritz in Brighouse but you will need to get there at least 15 minutes earlier to sign up - £2 - bring correct change. Basic details for the long route route can be seen on the Imps Blog (link from this blog).

North West Passage

When I logged on a few minutes ago I was disappointed to find that no one else had beaten me and already  blogged a report for last Saturday's North West Passage. I usually like to add a few photos when I add a report to the blog - helps pad things out and sometimes people find them quite entertaining such as when I get a shot of one of our members riding through deep floods or pushing there bike through snow drifts. Alas, although I lugged my faithful Lumix (290 grams) around the 130 miles I had no time to think about photos (although that's not quite true - I thought about photos several times but unfortunately a sense of urgency always takes over when you've paid your 5 quid to enter an Audax - if this just happened to me I would be worried but the same appears to happen to 90% of people who enter these non-competitive tourist events).

There were about 60 or 70 cyclists lined up for the 8am start of the long course, the weather was spot on and most of the usual faces were there. The VS boys looking fit and fast, VC167's attempting to look like they weren't planning to get out of breath and a good turn out from the Condor, Melvin looking relaxed and confident, Vicar looking a bit anxious, Single Simon on the bike that gave him his nickname,  Padiham Chris, a NWP virgin bursting with anticipation and enthusiasm, notable absentees being Brian and Robin. The Imps had sent along their top roadman Sean Smith to keep Mel in check and Paul Daly had filled his pannier with ham sandwiches to make sure there was no repeat of 6 days earlier.

I first rode this event in the 70's, possibly before AudaxUK existed and have learned that it is safer and easier to go straight to the head of the bunch whilst the pecking order sorts itself out behind. However its the first time Iv'e had the pleasure of being at the front of the NWP with Chris at my side (or half a wheel in front) and by Todmorden I decided it would be expedient to let someone else set the pace. However Chris told me he was staying at the front, he preferred being at the front would not be comfortable sat in, which I thought was a rather over  magnanimous gesture considering that there were 50 or so cyclists sat behind us who had so far been having a gentle tap.

Sean was the lucky man to replace me at the head of affairs and together with Chris they did a sterling job winding up the pace through Cornholme and  Cliviger scattering distressed cyclists throughout the valley as they spun their pedals towards Damians Drop Roundabout just before Nelson where a feeling of deja vu came over me as I witnessed the Padiham Peddler together with several others including Mel, hit the deck. Fortunately all were able to get up with no serious injuries or damage to bikes and we were soon on our way again although the once large (too large?) bunch was now split into small groups. Simon and I were pottering up through Blacko on the climb over Greystone when we were passed by Chris who assured us he was okay and set off up the road looking for Mel who he informed me was ahead. Mel and Sean then passed us and before long had caught and left Chris and once Paul Daly had rejoined us we got down to some hard work once again passing riders and catching Chris and staying together taking turns at the front till Settle.

After the Naked Man check Paul, Simon, Chris and myself set off together, Paul pulled away up Bukka' Brow and just on the brow of the hill Mel, Sean and the VS's overtook. Paul and I sat in for several miles,
unknown to us Simon had had to stop to make adjustments to his back wheel following an unfortunate touch of wheels earlier and Chris, who must have been suffering from a combination of working too hard at the front and falling off twice had become detached.

I Condor/Imp/VS train, more than ably assisted by Dave Leckenby of Ilkley CC was both organised and working very well, too well for me and I had to drop off up one of the many undulations en-route to Ingleton. Paul kindly dropped back to keep me company and we worked well together. We saw that Irish John had become detached and it inspired us to dig deep and catch him, trouble was I'd used so much energy to catch him I couldn't get past. We regrouped at the Kirby Lonsdale check where Paul and I decided not to loiter too long and set off down the Lune Valley, through the centre of Lancaster, with its magnificent displays of crocus' in full bloom and down the A6 to turn left to the Scorton check just before Garstang. We spent far too much time here, being the 1st riders at the check  the well oiled machine had not yet been started up and we wasted time queuing at wrong locations before being sent to the OIC of stamping cards. However this had given time for Simon, who had had to disconnect his rear brake to stop it rubbing, to rejoin us and we left with the addition of Dave Leckenby and VC 167's  Bob Johnson.

I always find the back roads between Garstang and Longridge sticky and Dave was setting a pace I knew I couldn't sustain so I drifted off the back, Simon stayed with me and Paul, who was looking comfortable, came back to us once he'd realised we had gone. The Condor/Imp/VS peloton caught us just after Longridge and we stayed together only untill the climb to Wilpshire and lost sight of them on the foothills of Oswaldtwistle Moor. Although this climb and the final climb, 'Owd Betts' could not be described as easy we all managed to keep the cadence going and were pleased to finish the event just after 4pm.

Best wishes to Mel and Chris who although battered and bruised still managed to be upbeat at the finish - hope it hasn't been too painful Sunday & Monday.

It appears that we had a very good turn out for the shorter route - I'm sure Ian or Nigel will update us.

Better weather on the way?

It was grey and sleety for the Wednesday ride today but I was surprised that the turnout was down to 2 - Paul D and myself. The roads were clear and the snow that had settled on the surface of the Greenway was wet stuff that presented no problems for cycling. It did look as if it may be getting heavier whilst we had lunch at Newmillerdam so we retraced our outward journey back to Calderdale - it didn't really get any worse so we could have comfortably taken a longer route home but as we're saving ourselves for this Saturdays North West Passage it was probably a good decision.

The weather forecast looks very reasonable for Saturday, temperatures up to 5 or 6 degrees and only light showers so lets hope we can get round without ice and snow.

Silverdale Report

Despite challenging weather conditions four of us met at Denholmgate for the 'B' run, Big Phil, Paul Daly, Richard and myself. A tail wind saw us make the 42 miles up to Halton Gill in fine style, the roads were clear, no dangers from black ice and occasional signs that the weather may improve. On climbing the side of Plover Hill towards Silverdale the weather did deteriorate somewhat although the snow on the road was  slushy rather than frozen.

It may not have been Pauls best ever day on a bike, puncturing on the Silverdale road in snow when the temperature is minus 3.5 wouldn't have been at the top of his list of fun things to do in retirement, neither would breaking a spoke or wearing out his brake blocks but hey! in every life a little sleet falls and at least the main worry didn't materialize - that of the 'A' team may catch us up before the cafe.  

We had just settled in the Naked Man cafe at Settle (minus Richard who showed his mettle by carrying straight on) when half the 'A' team arrived - Mel, the other half, former Condor, Dougie Burnside, arrived a little time later looking shell shocked after being thrown from his mount twice over Silverdale but after a coffee and flapjack he was his usual happy self - it was good to see him slumming with us unsponsored riders.
Once refreshed the A's and B's made our way home together at a brisk pace despite head winds. I managed disguise my distress as I did my turns at the front with Mel, but, and I may be wrong in this, it appeared to me that Paul was making the fatal mistake of not allowing Mel to dominate the pace at the front on the all too frequent inclines. I was also relieved to see that Dougie was not his usual self on the climbs although he was eager to make up for this shortfall on the flat.
Mel said goodbye at Kildwick and the rest of us worked in turn on the road to Keighley, although Paul, a man who never shirks hard work, didn't come through with his usual enthusiasm. Uncharitably I assumed he was keeping his powder dry for Ingrow.  I couldn't have been more wrong, we singled out with me doing my turn at the front at the bottom of the climb and there I remained until the last bend when Phil came past to immediately drop me (who was it who said he couldn't climb without the aid of a bottle of oxygen)  I turned round and to my surprise saw that both Dougie and Paul had gone. Dougie was next up with Paul a couple of hundred yards further back - the unthinkable had happened, Pauls legs had gone - he too has human frailties.
From hereon Big Phil's strength and enthusiasm appeared to increase more and more as the weather conditions deteriorated more and more, he was reveling in it - head wind and cold wet slushy snow battering your eye lids, it must have reminded him of last years holiday at the summit of Everest, in fact before we split up we both agreed that it had been the best day's cycling for ages.   

Weds 6th & Sunday 10th Feb

The turnout for the Wednesday ride was down to 10 today - I can only think that the weather was too good for some of the regulars. It was well worth the mornings head wind for the clear, sun lit views of the snow capped peaks up in the Dales as we made our way to the excellent cafe at Gisburn.

We made our way there over the Moss from Cowling and via Fanny Greys, returning, with the help of a tail wind on the Roman Road to Thornton in Craven, then Elslack and over to Cross Hills. A grand day out.

SUNDAY RUN - Its that time of year again - time for the Silverdale run, unless there's strong south westerly winds its anticlockwise - Halton Gill - Stainforth - Settle.  Main training ride 9am Denholmgate or 9.30 Keighley.   I'm setting off with the sexagenarian section half an hour earlier than the above times to see if we can get as far as Littondale before Mel, Sean and co. come storming past us. Paul Daly's joining me plus Everest Phil (who's successfully applied for temporary membership).

Club Dinner

Our annual dinner and prize presentation took place on Saturday evening at Bailiff Bridge Community Centre. We were delighted to welcome Chris Crossland as guest of honour, Chris told us how he first started cycling and how he became involved in the CTC and Audax both as a rider and much respected event organiser. Paul Gower, in his own inimitable style, welcomed the guests and our president, Ian Robinson announced the prize winners, ably assisted by JD Smith, trophy's were presented by Chris.

I apologise for the quality of the photos, my compact seems unable to cope with indoors photography. 

Off-Road Trophy - more names vying for this trophy than any of the others - Adrian Lord, Richard Burnham, Steve Cavell & Robin Holt. But the winner is the only person it could be, the dominant force in his age group in the UK - the 2012 World Champion  John Ginley - who only a couple of days earlier took the 2013 silver medal in the UCI Masters World Championships in Louisville, USA, to add to his gold medal at the recent British Championships plus his age group win in atrocious conditions at the classic 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross, the hardest Cross in the world, and many more outstanding performances in 2012.

25 Mile Time Trial Trophy - This is the only time trial trophy to be awarded this year, it goes to the 2012 Veterans National 50 Mile champion (I believe its the 3rd time he's won at that particular distance). He was also the bronze medal winner in the national 30 mile championship and a standard winner at several other time trials despite the new rules which favor younger riders, and is still the man they all wait for to make the decisive moves in age related road racing, it is of course the man who has won the trophy for an astounding 29th time, Brian Sunter.

Road Race - A new name on this trophy for 2012, a man new to racing who won his first race at the beginning of the season and put in a solid season riding road races and flying a lonely Condor Road Club flag in British Cycling events, one of the few non veterans we have in the Condor and an enthusiastic Audaxer and supporter of the Sunday club run, Simon Fortune.

Audax/Sportive - Greatest total distance in organised non-competitive events.  Thats me (with Mel 2nd although I concede he may have achieved a faster average speed).

Swinging Crank - This wasn't awarded last year - no one came up to the required level - but in 2012 we had the fastest rider in the Condor, a lifelong cyclist who, although now in his 50's is enjoying great form, who has achieved outstanding performances (frequently recording fastest times - although we must remember that they are not races) in classic Sportives such as Etape du Dales and the White Rose and Audax's such as the North West Passage, Spring into the Dales and Season of Mists and he's been mixing it with the best in age related road racing and the occasional enter on the line time trial, but has somehow managed not to be good enough to win any of the other club trophy's - Melvin Hartley. 

Clubman of the Year - The loudest applause of the evening went to our Clubman of the year, voted for on the night by club members it went to the ever youthful, hard cycling and hard working Paul Gower. 
                                                  
Raffle - Unfortunately the star prize in the raffle was taken by a VS Cycles' rider (but formally a Condor so that did ease the pain) Mick Lever 

Sunday 3rd February

Usual times, Denholmgate 9am/Keighley 9.30 for Halton Gill and back round to Airton cafe - those who don't make the above starts due to morning-after-the-night-before-itus may exercise the option of going straight to the cafe - sounds like a good idea!

Stop Press! Grimpy takes silver

Hot off the press is news that John, today, took the silver medal in the UCI World Masters Championships at Loisville, USA.  Well done once again John, we are looking forward to hearing the full story of your adventures in America at the Dinner on Saturday evening.

Late entry.....................
Just arrived via the wonders of the www...........................
Hi Peter,
Silver this year conditions snowing with mud freezing real strong mens conditions my guess is bike weighed twice original when I changed onto SRAM platform saddle machine. Will post a report and hopefully send you a pic just going to podium presentation and may have to do drug test. That could be a problem with the beer last night 
Cheers 
grimpy

A few dates for your diary

Good turn out for todays Wednesday Ride - but the weather did deteriorate somewhat and not all made it to the lunch stop at Airton - and I suspect that some of those who did wished they had turned early as the buffeting winds and icy cold rain made the later part of our return journey somewhat uncomfortable - never mind it was all good training for the North West Passage, which, worryingly, is only 2 weeks away next Saturday.

A few dates for your diary -

Saturday 16th February - North West Passage Audax, 130 & 75 mile options from Rochdale, the traditional season starter for the Condor.
Sunday 24th February - Halifax Imps Reliability Ride 9am from outside Ritz, Brighouse.
Sunday 3rd March - Morvelo City Cross, Old Mill, Halifax see http://www.citycross.co.uk/
Saturday 9th March - When I'm 64  A 200k Audax from near Darlington - ideal for a relaxing Sunday.
Sunday 17th March - Delightful Dales 200k Audax from Pendleton.
Sunday 24th March - Kendal Sportive, a great looking route including a timed climb from Dentdale over to Barbondale.
Wednesday 3rd April - Monyash Peak and Icecream Wensdae 100k Audax's from Marple.
Sunday 7th April - Ronde van Calderdale - a 'must do!' Sportive, a classic route from Liversedge - enter on-line via BC website - Mick Collins, who is assisting with the organisation asks for pre-entries as soon as possible.

CTC Dinner - invitation

Dear Ian

 

I am writing to invite you and your fellow Condor RC members to the CTC Calderdale Presentation Dinner, which takes place on Friday 8 March at the Shay Stadium Banqueting suite. Our principal guest on this occasion is Yorkshire cycling legend Brian Robinson, and we are hoping for a good turnout bringing together many representatives of the local cycling scene.

 

Details of the menu choices are set out on the menu enclosed - would you be so kind as to circulate this email among your members so they have the opportunity to consider coming along and joining us. Tickets are priced £20 and the deadline for expressions of interest / menu choices is Friday 22 February. Tickets can be obtained from our Treasurer, John Keighley - if you or your colleagues require any further information please contact John on 01422 345968 or email j.keighley131@btinternet.com.

 

I do hope that we can welcome Condor RC members to the event. I have sent personal letters of invitation to John Lumb (John was our guest speaker last year) and Paul Groves (Paul has been a regular attender at the event).

 

Best wishes

 

Reid Anderson

Secretary CTC Calderdale.

Sabbath report

A tempest of biblical proportions was raging as I left home for today's club run, if the weather forecast hadn't sounded so confident that after initial rain it would brighten up and the temperatures would soar to 6 or 7 degrees I may have considered giving it a miss. I was sure no one else would venture outdoors in this weather but I was wrong, soon after passing through Queensbury, four VS's, Chris, JD, Eric & Martin came storming past me,  I momentarily caught their rear wheels but couldn't stay the pace and was spat out of the back - being dropped on the way to the start was not the perfect beginning to the day. We all re-grouped at Keighley being joined by Richard, Sean, Mel, Pete W and Oakworth Steve.  Mel was of the same opinion as me, that, considering the encouraging forecast we ought to venture to our stated destination, Burnsall, via Cringles, Kex Gill, West End and Greenhow. I volunteered to lead the Z team whilst the A team shot off up the road without glancing back.  

I'm not sure if it was intended or if he just missed the boat but Richard hung back with me as we watched the fast lads disappear into up the road. We saw in the distance that Steven was being shed from the fast lads peloton as they approached the summit of Cringles and he looked happy to join the Z's on the descent to Addingham, but in truth never really recovered from the trauma that had been inflicted by his earlier efforts.

The three of us kept together over Kex Gill, West End and Greenhow as we were buffeted by high winds and blinded by hail, we even had to work hard going down past Stump Cross Caverns and hit deep water for the 1st time on the road to Hartlington. I was more than happy to reach the cafe at Burnsall where we found the A team tucking into their baked beans. After loitering there some time we made our way back to the security of Calderdale via Thorpe and Gargrave hitting more flooding on the road from Broughton to Carleton - did you return by this route Mel?
78.2 miles at an average speed of 13.2 mph, not very fast was it,  I can assure you we hadn't been taking it easy but we had enjoyed a memorable day out.

Sunday 27th Jan

Usual time, 9am Denholmgate/9.30 Keighley for Burnsall - plenty of route options so we can decide on the day depending on conditions.

Feizor report

I was both surprised and relieved when I looked out this morning and saw that it hadn't frozen overnight, perhaps Feizor was now more of a possibility than it appeared yesterday. I hung around at Denholmgate till a few minutes after the published 9am meet but no one else arrived so I made my way Keighley where I met Mel at the bottom of Ingrow. We noted Padium Chris' bike was resting outside the cafe and pottered on to the roundabout where we were eventually joined by Sean, Simon and the aforementioned Chris, now dangerously re-fueled.

We made our way on the backroads to Broughton and towards Gargrave. Mel, Sean and Chris were keeping 22mph going up the rises, I was found wanting on the first of these rises and watched the above trio disappear into the distance. Simon, perhaps a little hampered by the mountain bike tires on his hybrid bike hung back to keep me company but decided to turn at Gargrave whilst he was still feeling strong - after witnessing his condition in the latter part of last weeks ride I dare not attempt to change his mind.
I made my way to Feizor by riding straight up the A65, not a route I normally take but, alone, with lighter than normal traffic, it proved to be a good choice.
The hard men got to the cafe about 30 minutes later having ridden a somewhat longer and harder route; Airton, Attermire, Settle, Helwith Bridge and Austwick. I quickly finished my sweet course thinking I could sneak off whilst they were still at the trough - trouble is they don't appear to eat much at all and on seeing me make a move they donned helmets and came with me - or to be more precise I sat on their wheels as they did bit and bit, until I finally said goodbye (or would have done if I'd had breath to spare) coming out of Hellifield. I was pleased to get 83 miles on the clock when I got home (just before 3pm), if I can steadily increase that each week till the NW Passage I will be more than happy.

Sunday 20th January

It may be rather optimistic but the plan is to meet at the usual times, 9am Denholmgate - 9.30 Keighley roundabout for Feizor. The A Team getting there via Settle, Little Stainforth and Austwick and the Z Team going straight there from Settle, up Buck Haw Brow. Looking at the weather just now we may have to amend on the day.

Its been a cold week but eight of us managed a day of minus temperatures on the Wednesday run when we elected to have an easyish ride up to Rylstone Duckpond and down to Gargrave cafe (home of the poorest bacon & sausage buttie its ever been my misfortune to eat).

 We were able to cool off a bit en-route, firstly to watch Everard sort out a rear wheel puncture, shortly after Peeps entertained us whilst sorting his snapped 'double clanger'.

Sunday 13th January

A short postscript to answer Melvyn's thought bubble in Pete's post.

Along with Pete and Simon I too was dropped by the A group on the climb out of Skipton and was left in no man's land not knowing whether to chaise with absolutely no prospect of getting back on or drop back to the B group and miss out on the climb from Arncliffe to Malham via Darnbrook. I chose to do the Darnbrook ride on my own hoping that I might rejoin the group at Airton cafe which I did, just after the photo shoot.

Much the same thing happened on the return home only it was the climb out of Gargrave that did for me. Notwithstanding the days trevails I still enjoyed the ride and I topped  off the day by driving across to Peel Park Bradford to see Ian Field win the Senior race in the National Cyclocross Championship

Sunday 13th Jan ride report

First of all a get well soon message to Sandy who was run down by a car that failed to give way from a side road as he was riding down through Portsmouth (not the Hampshire one) on Friday - bruised and sprained but nothing broken (except his bike).

Numbers were down this week but the quality was there. I set off a bit early in case it took me longer than usual to get to Denholmgate but a bit of a tail wind got me there at 5 to nine so instead of hanging around for ten minutes getting cold then getting dropped on the way to Keighley I kept going and met Mel at the roundabout. We were eventually joined by the above athletes plus Richard (who was late for the official photo shoot).
The route for the day was Arncliffe, Darnbrook, Malham and down to Airton Cafe. Simon and I nearly missed the boat as, in company with the Milnes lads, a brisk pace was set to Skipton. On hearing the route the Milnes boys promptly turned left on the approach to Skipton looking for less demanding pastures.
On the advice of my personal trainer (aka 'The Wife') I had never intended riding the full route so when Mel, Pete, Padhiam Chris, Richard and a couple of other lads forgot to slow down on the incline out of Skipton on the Grassington Road, Ian and Simon were considerate enough to hang back and nurse me to Cracoe where we turned left through Hetton and Winterburn to make it to Airton just before the egg curfew time of 1100 hrs.
We had a very civilized, leisurely breakfast (delighted to be joined by Nigel who, despite insisting that he has fallen out of love with cycling had ridden a longer hillier route than us to get there) and were just about to leave when the 'A' Team arrived pumped up with adrenalin after attacking the limestone escarpments to the west of Arncliffe, I had no desire to sit and watch them fight over scraps of raw meat so after a quick photo to confirm to myself that I had made it from crutches to Airton in half the expected time Ian, Simon, Nigel and I left, hoping to get up Ingrow before the wolves got scent of our trail.
The coffee and walnut cake appeared to have increased Ian's hematocrit to almost Lance Armstrong levels as he chased down the VC Bradford/Pennine team on the Keighley Road, the rest of us taking advantage of his slipstream. If the elastic broke for me at Hermit Hole bends - it exploded for Simon, who recovering from a virus and chronically short of miles in the legs over the last few months, died a thousand deaths. I loitered at Flappit  top for quite some time but eventually had to leave. Sean caught me at Mountain and informed me he had passed Simon on the moor before Manywells and sounded surprised that he hadn't jumped on his wheel - LEL training starts tomorrow.
Same times next Sunday - 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley.

Don't forget, 8.30pm, Travellers, Hipperholme, Tues 15th for Condor RC meeting
     

Grimpy does it again

At Peel Park, Bradford this morning John illustrated once again his dominance in the over 70's age bracket when he romped home to a clear win in the 2013 National Championships.

He may look confident in the above photo, at todays start line, but it hadn't all been plain sailing, the guy to his right is Stuart Walters, Kettering CC, who 6 days earlier had beaten John in Round 6 of the National Trophy Series at Derby, there was also the ever present threat from former Pro and Natioal Champ, Mick Ives.

John also managed to puncture a brand new tub whilst warming up, I imagine that got the adrenalin flowing - I know it did for his right-hand man, Paul Daly.

Good luck in America next week John.

Read This

2013 CLUB SUBS DUE, £6.00 TO HON. TREASURER, PAUL GOWER 

For starters I'll just remind everyone that the National 'Cross Champs are being held at Peel Park in Bradford this coming weekend and Grimpy will be in action in the vets race at 11am on Saturday - make sure you're there to cheer him on in his last race before jetting off to America to defend his world title


If you were at the AGM three months ago you will remember that we decided that we should have a club meeting at least every three months - so here is notice that there will be a Condor Road Club meeting next Tuesday, the 15th of January, at The Travellers Inn, Tanhouse Hill, Hipperholme. There's an exciting agenda including plans for the Condor Cross this autumn and final plans for the club dinner including working out who's won any trophies for the 2012 season - so results are required from members who have been racing and details of distances achieved in sportive's and Audax's.

Just to remind everyone the 63rd annual dinner is due to be held at Bailiff Bridge Community Centre (HD6 4DX) on Saturday 2nd of February 2013, 6.30 for 7pm. (Note that this is one week later than usual)

MENU

STARTERS

Homemade vegetable soup

Creamy garlic mushrooms

Salmon fish cakes with sweet chilli sauce

MAIN COURSE

Traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding

Roast pork loin with crackling & apple sauce

Individual fish pie

Vegetarian option

PUDDINGS

Sticky toffee pudding and custard

Sherry trifle

Cheese and biscuits

Coffee & mints

COST : £23.00 per person (complimentary wine included)

Please contact Paul Gower (01422 201533) with numbers and choices asap and at least by 20th January.

(or let me know petehorne@yahoo.co.uk and I'll pass details on to Paul - or you could click comments tab on this blog entry and leave details) 

Sunday 6th - Kick Off

Dry roads and mild weather encouraged a good turn out for the first 'training' ride of the year with a good showing from V.S. Cycles, Condor and Imps, (Sean being late and chasing solo all the way to Kettlewell Cafe).
Progress was halted briefly at Threshfield while several riders decided that was far enough and a reduced group carried on to Kettlewell and Zarinas Cafe, (including a slimmed down Lumby who had made an earlier start). An even smaller group pushed on to Buckden (Chris T, Young Alex and me) requiring us to bolt our breakfasts quickly if we were to join the rest for the return ride.
We left Kettlewell in 3 groups, agreeing to return via Hetton and Gargrave where we re-grouped for the ups and downs back to Keighley. We were close to a brush with the law at the traffic lights after Cross Hills when 'stragglers' from the climb from Connonley (you know who you are!) took the customary but highly un-sporting short cut through the cul-de-sac causing others to jump the lights if they wanted to stay with the group - all in view of Mr. Plod waiting at the lights who was using his horn to express his displeasure at this recklessness.  I left them all to do battle with the Ingrow while I had my own personal battle home over East Morton. 
More of the same next Sunday -  perhaps via Arncliffe &  over Darnbrook to Malham & Airton cafe ? (We may miss the egg 'cut-off time'  though !).
Other news; Nigel was spotted on the road having a ride to the Duckpond & back but he tells me the distance has unfortunately taken a toll on his 'saddle area' !
And  - how is Pete H recovering ? Hope to see him back soon, after all there are only 5 more Sundays to the N.W. Passage !

PeteH says
Recovery going great - back on the bike albeit shortish flattish easy rides so far (could become addictive) - managed 32 miles on Sunday (Spen Valley & Calder Valley Greenways  and canal bank). It took 4 and a half hours but that includes stopping to chat to people on 5 occasions, main difficulty is getting on and off the bike.   I intend to get up to Denholmgate for 9am next Sunday and to have a potter up to Airton Cafe by the flattest, easiest route available and return by a similar route.

New Years Day Ride

'9 for 9:30' - Kettlewell - 6 Jan 2013

This Sunday sees the return of regular club rides. It makes sense to stick with 9 at Denholme and 9:30 at Keighley for a few weeks - keeps it simple.

The 'A' group will no doubt want to go up to Buckden, while the B's (and C's) will be heading straight to Zarina's cafe in Kettlewell.

New Year's Day 2013 - a ride report

We did meet outside VS cycles as planned, but the shutters were down on the shop and a chill breeze drove us along the street to find shelter. So instead of drooling over the latest carbon fancies in the bike shop, we had to make do with second best and admire the lace in the window of 'Brief Encounters' ladies lingerie instead.

Pete Smith joined us shortly after the photo-op, reporting that 'just two lads' were to be seen at the Ritz.  They would be coming our way and would surely catch up soon, so we pottered on and I grabbed the front to keep the pace under control - a move that worked very well, for a while. Through Huddersfield and in short order we were scouting Holmfirth for suitable (open) cafes. Emma's tearooms provided refreshment, but sadly won't be appearing in my forthcoming 'Guide to bacon & egg butties of West Yorkshire'.  The tea was nice though, and at least the lightweight sandwich didn't hold me back too badly up the back road to Upperthong.

Padiham Chris thought we should all stop to enjoy the view from the top of the hill and let the fierce, scouring wind cool us off after the hard ascent, while he changed a front punture. Turning on to Isle of Skye road propper, Brian marshalled the troops to do sensible turns. Chris evidently wanted to study the scenery some more, this time with a rear puncture. Only Brian stopped to keep Chris company while he battled with home-made mudguard attachments, the rest of us being ignorant of his plight. Richard B eventually turned back to investigate while we sheltered in a shallow dip. Declaring all was well (or at least as good as it was going to be), we were released to press on into the slight draught/whiff/zephyr. Having done my turn at the front, inevitably the elastic just stretched too far on the next rise. Fortunately, I could then get the benefit of extra training alone without the inconvenience of my four clubmates to shelter behind. Names have been added to the book, should I ever get fit enough again to return the favour (unlikely at this rate).

They did eventually wait though down in Upper Mill, letting Brian & Chris catch up too, which took us slowly on to Denshaw and up & over 'windy gap' at Jn 22, where at last a decent tailwind made for a great run down the valley, to be met by many colleagues in the Works. Our cycling bretheren had turned up much earlier and selflessly waited nursing half-a-pint for our belated arrival. They then stayed sociably with us, and some even had another pint on the table as the main riding group had taken their restorative tonics and headed off for home.